All - Leep Calendar

The argan tree is a native species of Morocco that grows in arid and semiarid areas, forming the unique Arganeraie woodland ecosystem. This ecosystem is important for conservation, research, and socio-economic development. The argan tree provides various forest products, fruits, and fodder, and its oil, known as argan oil, is highly valued in traditional medicine, cooking, and cosmetics. The argan tree plays a significant role in sustainable development, contributing to income generation, resilience, and climate adaptation. It empowers local communities, especially women, through economic opportunities and job creation. The traditional knowledge and skills associated with argan oil production have been passed down through generations. The argan-based agro-forestry-pastoral system and the conservation of biodiversity in the region are recognized and protected by UNESCO and FAO. The International Day of Argania was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2021, highlighting the importance of the argan tree and its cultural heritage.

Africa

May

Armed Forces Day: May 16

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Declared each year by the President of the United States, Armed Forces Day salutes the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen "who perform their duties with impeccable courage, commitment, and character, and recognize our moral obligation to serve them and their families as well as they have served us."

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May

Arthritis Awareness Month, Ntl.: May

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The Arthritis Foundation sponsors National Arthritis Awareness Month each May. Though most people associate arthritis with aging, it affects all ages. Two-thirds of people with arthritis are under 65, and some of the most severe forms of arthritis occur in teenagers or people in their 20s and 30s. Arthritis Awareness Month is a multi-year campaign geared at debunking the myths of arthritis. It includes The Faces of Arthritis campaign featuring public service ads focusing on the harsh realities of arthritis and dispelling the common stereotypes often associated with the disease. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and affects 50 million people, 20 percent of the population or one in five adults. “Arthritis is common, costly and painful, and people think that there is nothing you can do about it. Misconceptions around the disease contribute to millions living with arthritis pain and the persistent attitude of complacency toward the disease and its impact,” says Arthritis Foundation Vice President of Public Health Policy and Advocacy, Dr. Patience White. The United Kingdom has an arthritis care awareness week in mid-May, and Canada has set aside September as its arthritis awareness month. The US Arthritis Foundation also sponsors Juvenal Arthritis Month in July.

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May

Arthritis Care Awareness Week (UK): May 14-21

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Arthritis Care Awareness Week is a UK-based event that raises awareness about arthritis, gathers support for people with this condition, and highlights the work of Arthritis Care, a charity that supports this event. Arthritis is a widespread condition that affects 9 million people in the UK, over 10% of the population. Approximately 27,000 people under 25 have arthritis, of which 12,000 are children. Arthritis is the single largest cause of physical disability in the United Kingdom. This event includes World Autoimmune Arthritis Day on May 20th each year.

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May

Ascension Day (C): May 14

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Ascension Day is 40 days after Easter and is a traditional feast day in the Christian faith. Christians believe Jesus Christ ascended to heaven on this day after his resurrection, which Easter marks. Ascension Day was first observed in 68 AD

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May

Ascension Day, Orthodox (C): May 21

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Ascension Day is 40 days after Orthodox Easter and is a traditional feast day in the Christian faith. Christians believe Jesus Christ ascended to heaven on this day after his resurrection, which Easter marks. This feast day began in 68 AD

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May

Ascension of Baha'u'llah (1892): May 29

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On May 29, 1892, Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i faith, died and is believed to have ascended to heaven. Today is one of nine critical holidays in the Baha'i faith.

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May

Asian and Pacific Islander AIDS Awareness Day: May 19

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National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by the US Department of Health and Human Services began in 2005. The purpose of the month is to alert the Asian and Pacific Islander community about AIDS, AIDS prevention, and AIDS treatment, as well as options available for caring for loved ones with the disease.

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May

Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month: May

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On October 14, 2009, President Obama signed an executive order that restored the White House Initiative and President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to address issues concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was first declared by President Roosevelt in 1942 following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The following is an excerpt from his speech: "… America's AAPI communities, we're talking about the industry and entrepreneurship of people who've helped build this nation for centuries: from the early days, as laborers on our railroads and farmers tilling our land, to today, as leaders in every sector of American life, from business to science to academia, law and more. We're talking about the creative energies of musicians like the singers Penn Masala -- we appreciate them -- who performed today. And we're talking about the competitive spirit of athletes like Wat Misaka, who played for the New York Knicks in 1947—the first non-white player in the NBA -- and who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Misaka is here as well today and—where's Mr. Misaka? There he is. Thank you so much. (Applause.) We're talking about the public service of leaders like Secretaries Gary Locke, Steven Chu, Eric Shinseki, and the folks on stage with me today. And we're talking about the courage, patriotism, and sacrifice of heroes like the 442nd Regimental Combat Team members who served in World War II, including Terry Shima. Please give him a big round of applause. (Applause.) Mr. Shima is the Executive Director of the Japanese American Veterans Association, and we are grateful that he took the time to be here today. Some of their families had been interned, and some interned themselves. But they still insisted on fighting for America and went on to become the most highly decorated unit of their size in history. And one regiment member, Private Jake Kirihara, whose parents were held in a camp here in America while he fought overseas, later said: '… even though this wrong was done to us, there was never any question whether America was my country. If America needed me to help, I'll do it.' So this proud tradition of service continues today in Iraq and Afghanistan and worldwide, carried on by folks like Tammy Duckworth, my dear friend who's here today. (Applause.) Tammy is a decorated member of our National Guard, a passionate advocate for our wounded warriors, and is now serving as our Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Veterans Affairs Department. I'm proud to have her on board and pleased she could join us today. And on a personal note, when I talk about America's AAPI communities, I'm talking about my own family: my sister, Maya; my brother-in-law, Konrad; my beautiful nieces, Suhaila and Savita; and the folks I grew up with in Indonesia, and in Honolulu, as part of the Hawaiian Ohana, or family. Our AAPI communities have roots that span the globe, but they embody a rich diversity and a story of striving and success that are uniquely American. But focusing on all of these achievements doesn't tell the whole story, and that's part of why we're here. It's tempting, given the strengths of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, for us to buy into the myth of the 'model minority' and to overlook the very real challenges that certain Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are facing: from health disparities like higher rates of diabetes and Hepatitis B; to educational disparities that still exist in some communities—high dropout rates, low college enrollment rates; to economic disparities—higher rates of poverty in some communities, and barriers to employment and workplace advancement in others. Some Asian American and Pacific Islanders, particularly new Americans and refugees, still face language barriers. Others have been victims of unthinkable hate crimes, particularly in the months after September 11 -- crimes driven by ignorance and prejudice that affronts everything this nation stands for. And then there are the disparities we don't even know about because our data collection methods still aren't up to par. Too often, Asian American and Pacific Islanders are all lumped into one category, so we don't have accurate numbers reflecting the challenges of each community. Smaller communities, in particular, can get lost, their needs and concerns buried in a spreadsheet. And that's why I'm signing this executive order today, reestablishing the advisory commission and White House initiative created by President Clinton 10 years ago. Because when any of our citizens—(applause)—when any of our citizens are unable to fulfill their potential due to factors that have nothing to do with their talent, character, or work ethic, then I believe there's a role for our government to play. Not to guarantee anybody's success or to solve everybody's problems, but to ensure that we're living up to our nation's ideals, to ensure that we can each pursue our version of happiness and that we continue to be a nation where all things are still possible for all people. That's the impact that our government can have…." President Barak Obama, October 14, 2009

Africa

May

Asparagus Month, Ntl.: May

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Asparagus Month, which is celebrated annually in May, is an observance dedicated to appreciating asparagus, a nutritious and versatile vegetable. This month encourages the exploration of asparagus in various culinary forms and highlights its health benefits. Asparagus, a perennial flowering plant species in the asparagus, is known for its edible young shoots. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it's low in calories and a good source of fiber. Asparagus graces various dishes worldwide, ranging from simple steamed preparations to complex recipes in gourmet cooking. It is valued for its distinct, slightly earthy flavor and can be grilled, boiled, steamed, or roasted. THANK ZIRYAB IF YOU LOVE ASPARAGUS Asparagus made its way to the royal court meals in Andalusia, Córdoba (Spain), on the Iberian Peninsula, circa 840-852 AD. Abu al-Hasan Ali Ibn Nafi, or as he was more commonly known, Ziryab, meaning "Blackbird" or "Jaybird" in Persian, cooked and served the vegetables. He was the first to do so. Ziryab was born in 789 AD in what is today Iraq. He is one of the more interesting characters in history, rising from slavery to the top of the royal court during his life. Thanks to him, we have music schools, toothpaste, deodorant, clothes for different seasons, asparagus, and a three-course meal, and those are just his most well-known contributions. TYPES OF ASPARAGUS Asparagus, known scientifically as Asparagus officinalis, is primarily classified into three main types based on color: green, white, and purple. Each type has unique characteristics and is grown and prepared differently. Green Asparagus: This is the most common type found in grocery stores. It's known for its vibrant green color and earthy, slightly grassy flavor. Green asparagus gets its color from photosynthesis as it grows above ground in the sun. White Asparagus: Grown mainly in Europe, white asparagus is cultivated by depriving the plants of sunlight (a process known as etiolation). This lack of the sun prevents the production of chlorophyll, which is what gives green asparagus its color. White asparagus is thicker, more tender than the green variety, and has a milder, more delicate flavor. Purple Asparagus: This variety has a burgundy to purple color due to the presence of anthocyanins (plant pigments). It is generally sweeter, more tender than green asparagus, and has a fruitier flavor. Purple asparagus turns green when it's cooked. WHERE ASPARAGUS IS GROWN Asparagus is grown in many parts of the world, with each region having its own preferred variety: Green Asparagus: Widely grown in the United States (mainly California, Michigan, and Washington), parts of Europe, and other countries with similar climates. White Asparagus: Popular and primarily grown in parts of Europe, especially Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Purple Asparagus: Less common than the other varieties, it is mainly grown in Italy. Asparagus thrives in temperate climates where the ground freezes in the winter, as the plant needs a period of dormancy. The soil type, climate, and cultivation method all play a role in asparagus's flavor and texture. Asparagus Month is an unofficial event aligning with the vegetable's peak season. The month is an opportunity to educate people on asparagus' nutritional value and encourage its use in diverse and nutritious recipes.

Africa

May

Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month: May

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May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, as the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) proclaimed. May is the peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers. The month is devoted to limiting exposure to allergens and helping people who have them manage them.

Africa

May

Asthma Day, World: May 5

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World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care worldwide. World Asthma Day occurs on the first Tuesday in May. GINA launched in 1993 as a collaboration with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA, and the World Health Organization.

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May

Auctioneers Day, Ntl: May 2

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National Auctioneers Week and National Auctioneers Day (on Saturday) celebrate the Auctioneering profession and seek to educate the public on auctions. Each day has a different theme leading up to the last day celebrating the profession. Toolkits are available on the National Auctioneers Association Website.

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May

Autoimmune Arthritis Day, World: May 20

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World Autoimmune Arthritis Day was created in 2012 by the International Foundation for Autoimmune Arthritis (IFAA) and occurs on the same day each year. Each year 100s of thousands of people participate in various virtual activities designed to raise awareness of Autoimmune Arthritis and provide support for the patients and families afflicted by it.

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May

Aviation Maintenance Technicians Day (1868), Ntl.: May 24

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National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day marks the anniversary of the birth of Charles Edward Taylor on May 24, 1868. Taylor is regarded as the father of aviation maintenance. He played an essential role in defining the vocation of aviation maintenance technicians in ensuring the safety and security of civil and military aircraft. In 1901, Charles Edward Taylor began working as a machinist for Orville and Wilbur Wright at the Wright Cycle Company in Dayton, Ohio. Using only a metal lathe, drill press, and hand tools, Taylor built, in six weeks, the 12-horsepower engine that powered the first flying machine of the Wright brothers on December 17, 1903. His entire career spanned 60 years. The Charles Edward Taylor Master Mechanic Award bears his name and recognizes individuals with 50+ years of aviation maintenance experience. It is among the highest honors available to men and women in the field.

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